Best Dispersed Camping near Waynesboro, TN
Dispersed camping opportunities near Waynesboro, Tennessee include the highly-rated Meriwether Lewis Campground along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This free campground features 31 paved sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with a mix of pull-through and back-in sites. Several campers note that while sites are free, they offer amenities comparable to fee-based campgrounds, including clean flush toilets and potable water.
The Meriwether Lewis Campground provides access to multiple hiking trails and a creek with small waterfalls. The campground is situated at a historic site where Meriwether Lewis died in 1809, with interpretive displays throughout the area. According to reviews, tent campers should bring padding as the ground can be rough and uneven. The campground fills quickly, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons, so early arrival is recommended. Visitors should prepare for insects; bug spray is essential as mosquitoes and ticks are common in the forested setting.
TVA-Nature Trail and Recreation Area offers more primitive camping options. This lesser-known area permits free camping on Tennessee Valley Authority land with access to clean restroom facilities at the trailhead. The area features well-marked trails leading to the river, including a small beach area near an old train bridge. Unlike Meriwether Lewis Campground, this location requires campers to establish their own primitive sites, as there are no designated camping areas with tables or fire rings. Lentzville Road also provides drive-in dispersed camping opportunities but with minimal amenities. All sites in the region require proper waste disposal and adherence to leave-no-trace principles.